Beverage and/or food carrier bag

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates a beverage and/or food carrier bag comprising a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a rear wall, each wall connected to a base; the base adapted to removably retain one or more beverage holder(s). The present invention facilitates transport and/or storage of beverages and/or food.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of storage and/or transport.More particularly, the invention relates to a beverage and/or foodcarrier bag.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Any reference to background art herein is not to be construed as anadmission that such art constitutes common general knowledge inAustralia or elsewhere.

Transportation of beverages and food is typically carried out by hand.However, there is an inherent limitation to the amount of beveragesand/or food that can be carried by hand. In this regard, beveragecarriers have been designed to alleviate this issue. For instance, aholder adapted to hold multiple cups has been developed. However,typically, prior art beverage carriers (such as cardboard beveragecarriers) have insufficiently durability and may fall apart. It will beappreciated that this is a significant safety hazard.

Additionally, a limitation of presently available beverage carriers isthat they are generally limited to a small number of cup sizes. As cupsizes change over time, the presently available beverage carriers maybecome obsolete. Furthermore, use of incompatible beverage(s) in suchcarriers may lead to the beverage being insufficiently secured and thisincreases the risk of potential risk of injury or harm due to spills.

Furthermore, presently available beverage carriers if spilt are prone toland on a consumers clothes. It should be appreciated that this can be asignificant problem and it would be advantageous to alleviate suchissues.

It would be advantageous to alleviate one or more of the above issues,and/or to at least provide the consumer with a commercial alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, although it need not be the only or indeed thebroadest aspect, the invention resides in a beverage and/or food carrierbag comprising:

-   -   a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a rear        wall, each wall connected to a base; and    -   the base adapted to removably retain one or more beverage        holder(s).

In an embodiment, the beverage and/or food carrier bag, furthercomprises a tray adapted to removably retain the one or more beverageholder(s). In this embodiment, the base and walls are adapted to receivethe tray.

In some embodiments, the first side wall further comprises a coverattached thereto. In an embodiment, the cover is attached to the firstside wall adjacent or at an upper end thereof. The cover comprises afirst attachment portion that is reciprocal to a second attachmentportion. The first attachment portion is located at a distal end of thecover.

In one embodiment, the second side wall comprises the second attachmentportion. In embodiments, the second attachment portion is attached tothe second side wall adjacent or at an upper end thereof

In an embodiment, when the first attachment portion is attached to thesecond attachment portion, the cover forms a surface that supports oneor more food products.

In some embodiments, the cover comprises a pocket.

In an embodiment, the beverage and/or food carrier bag further comprisesone or more additional pockets formed in one or more of the front wall,the first side wall, the second side wall, and/or the rear wall.

In embodiments, the one or more beverage holder(s) is configured toreceive 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 beverages. In some embodiments, the one ormore beverage holder(s) is formed of nylon and/or silicone. In oneembodiment, the one or more beverage holder(s) comprises an outer layerof silicone. In this embodiment, the outer layer of silicone is mattesilicone. In some embodiments, the one or more beverage holder(s)comprise a body with an outer layer of silicone. In one embodiment, thebody is formed of nylon.

In an embodiment, the tray is formed of silicone. In one embodiment, thetray comprises an outer layer of silicone. In this embodiment, the outerlayer of silicone is matte silicone. In embodiments, the tray comprisesa tray body with an outer layer of silicone. In an embodiment, the traybody is formed of nylon.

In one embodiment, the one or more beverage holders and/or tray is orare non-collapsible.

In one embodiment, the first side wall and second side wall eachcomprise a handle. In some embodiments, the handles are attached torespective walls at the upper end thereof.

In some embodiments, the bag is formed of a waterproof material. In oneembodiment, the bag is formed of a cotton canvas. In an embodiment, thebag comprises a laminate. In some embodiments, the laminate is a PVClaminate.

In some embodiments, the beverage and/or food carrier bag furthercomprises a spacer. In one embodiment, the spacer comprises an outerlayer of silicone. In this embodiment, the outer layer of silicone ismatte silicone. In some embodiments, the spacer comprises a spacer bodywith an outer layer of silicone. In one embodiment, the spacer body isformed of nylon. In one embodiment, the spacer is discrete from thetray. In another embodiment, the spacer is integrally formed with thetray.

In a further aspect, the invention resides in a method of transportingbeverage(s) and/or food comprising:

-   -   inserting one or more beverages into one or more beverage        holders;    -   securely retaining the one or more beverage holders in a        beverage and/or food carrier bag comprising a base, connected to        a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a rear        wall;    -   to thereby transport beverage(s) and/or food.

The beverage and/or food carrier bag, tray, beverage holder(s) andcomponents thereof are as substantially described hereinabove.

In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of forming asurface by removably attaching a cover attached to the first side wallto the second side wall.

In an embodiment, the method further includes the steps of inserting theone or more beverage holder(s) into a tray, and inserting the tray intothe beverage and/or food carrier bag.

In an embodiment, the method further includes the step of inserting aspacer into the tray to space beverage holders.

The various features and embodiments of the present invention referredto in the individual sections above and in the description which followsapply, as appropriate, to other sections, mutatis mutandis. Consequentlyfeatures specified in one section may be combined with featuresspecified in other sections as appropriate.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilledin the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferredembodiments of the invention will be described by way of example onlywith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the carrier bag;

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the carrier bag;

FIGS. 3-8 show a number of views of an embodiment of the carrier bag:

Shown in FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the carrier bag;

Shown in FIG. 4 is a front view of the carrier bag;

Shown in FIG. 5 is a side view of the carrier bag;

Shown in FIG. 6 is a base perspective view of the carrier bag;

Shown in FIG. 7 is a top view of the carrier bag; and

Shown in FIG. 8 is a top view of the carrier bag 300 in a supportconfiguration.

FIG. 9 shows a tray that may be utilized with the carrier bag;

FIG. 10 shows a beverage holder configured to retain two beverages;

FIG. 11 shows a beverage holder configured to retain four beverages;

FIG. 12 shows a beverage holder configured to retain six beverages;

FIG. 13 shows a tray which securely retains a single 2-cup beverageholder that is centrally located within the tray;

FIG. 14 shows a tray which securely retains a pair of 2-cup beverageholders;

FIG. 15 shows a tray which securely retains three 2-cup beverageholders; and

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of a tray that may be utilized with thecarrier bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention reside primarily in beverage and/orfood carrier bag. Accordingly, the device and method steps have beenillustrated in concise schematic form in the drawings, showing onlythose specific details that are necessary for understanding theembodiments of the present invention so as to not obscure the disclosurewith excessive detail that will be readily apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art having the benefit of the present description.

In this specification, adjectives such as upper and lower, left andright, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element oraction from another element or action without necessarily requiring orimplying any actual such relationship or order.

Words such as “comprises” or “includes” are intended to define anon-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, orapparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only thoseelements but may include other elements not expressly listed, includingelements that are inherent to such a process, method, article, orapparatus.

As used herein, the term ‘about’ means the amount is nominally thenumber following the term ‘about’ but the actual amount may vary fromthis precise number to an unimportant degree.

The present invention is predicated on the finding that beverages and/orfood can be safely and securely transported with a carrier bag of thepresent invention. In this regard, the present beverage and/or foodcarrier bag facilitates secure retainment of one or more beverageholder(s). These beverage holder(s) are adapted to receive one or morebeverage(s). The present invention may also be utilized for securelytransporting food.

In one aspect, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadestaspect, the present invention resides in a beverage and/or food carrierbag comprising:

-   -   a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a rear        wall, each wall connected to a base; and    -   the base adapted to removably retain one or more beverage        holder(s).

As mentioned hereinabove, a problem in the transportation of beveragesusing prior art methods include insufficient durability which may leadto the structural failure thereof, and this is a significant safetyhazard. Furthermore, many of these solutions (i.e., the cardboard cupholder) do not facilitate storage or carrying of food products (such assnacks).

Referring to FIG. 1 there is a shown an embodiment of the beverageand/or food carrier bag. In the embodiment shown, the beverage and/orfood carrier bag is partially see-through to show the internalarrangement thereof. The carrier bag 100 comprises a base 110 (notshown), a first side wall 120 (see through), a second side wall 130, afront wall 140 and a rear wall 150. As shown, the front wall 140, firstside wall 120, second side wall 130, front wall 140 and rear wall 150are each connected to the base 110, and define an opening.

In one embodiment, the beverage and/or food carrier bag comprises a tray160. The base 110 and walls of the carrier bag 100 are adapted toreceive a tray 160. The tray 160 is adapted to removably retain one ormore beverage holder(s). In the embodiment shown, the tray 160 isadapted to retain two beverage holders 170 a, 170 b. The tray 160typically comprises raised walls on the periphery thereof to hold theone or more beverage holder(s) (mentioned in more detail hereinafter).The tray 160 is adapted to removably retain the two beverage holders 170a, 170 b securely in place. As shown, the two beverage holders 170 a,170 b occupy the ends of the tray 160. As shown, a space between the twobeverage holders 170 a, 170 b may accommodate food products (in thisembodiment, cupcakes and pretzels). It will be appreciated that thepresent invention may not necessarily require the tray, and that the oneor more beverage holder(s) may be retained by the base and wallsthemselves.

The carrier bag 100 further comprises a pair of handles 122, 132. Handle122 is located at an upper end of the first side wall 120, and handle132 (not shown completely) is located at an upper end of the second sidewall 130. The handles 122, 132 facilitate carrying of the carrier bag bya consumer or user.

The carrier bag 100 is also adapted to provide a cover or support whichcan be utilized for carrying one or more food products. In this regard,the first side wall 120 or second side wall 130 may further comprise acover 180 formed of a length of material connected thereto. In theembodiment shown, the cover 180 is attached to the second side wall 130.The cover 180 can then be removably attached to the other side wall. Thecover, in this position, provides a support in which food may be placedthereon. As shown in FIG. 1 , food products (such as sandwiches) may beplaced on the formed support.

The cover 180 comprises a first attachment portion (not shown). Thefirst attachment portion is located at or near a distal end of the cover180. The first attachment portion is complementary to a secondattachment portion. The second attachment portion is located on theother of the first side wall or the second side wall. That is, thesecond attachment portion is on the side wall in which the cover is notattached to. When the first attachment portion is connected to thesecond attachment portion, the cover at least partially covers theopening. The cover advantageously provides a number of advantages. Inthis regard, in this position, the cover alleviates the problem ofexternal material (such as dust, rain and particular matter) fallinginto the beverages in the beverage holder. Furthermore, the cover issufficiently secured such that it can be used to support items. Forinstance, in FIG. 1 , sandwiches are supported on the cover.

It will be appreciated that the present beverage and/or food carrier bagneed not be limited to a single cover. In this regard, the presentbeverage and/or food carrier bag may further comprise one or morefurther covers which are configured to form further surfaces in whichfood and/or products may be supported. This advantageous provides thepresent beverage and/or food carrier additional storage capacity.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the carrier bag. Thecarrier bag 200 comprises a base 210, a first side wall 220, a secondside wall 230, a front wall 240 and a rear wall 250. As shown, firstside wall 220, second side wall 230, front wall 240 and rear wall 250are each connected to the base 210, and define an opening. As shown, twobeverage holders 270 a, 270 b (each adapted to hold two beverages) aresecurely retained in a tray 260. In an embodiment, the tray is adaptedto securely retain one or more beverage holders. Each beverage holder270 a, 270 b comprise a pair of apertures (272 a, 274 a and 272 b, 274b, respectively) which are adapted to securely retain a beverage each.Base 210 of carrier bag 200 is adapted to securely receive the tray 260.

Shown in FIGS. 3-8 are a number of views of an embodiment of the carrierbag. Shown in FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of carrier bag 300.Shown in FIG. 4 is a front view of carrier bag 300. Shown in FIG. 5 is aside view of carrier bag 300. Shown in FIG. 6 is a base perspective viewof carrier bag 300. Shown in FIG. 7 is a top view of the carrier bag300. Shown in FIG. 8 is a top view of the carrier bag 300 in a supportconfiguration. It should be noted that in the embodiment shown in FIGS.3-8 , the carrier bag 300 is not shown with a tray or one or morebeverage holder(s).

The carrier bag 300 comprises a base 310, a first side wall 320, asecond side wall 330, a front wall 340 and a rear wall 350. The firstside wall 320 comprises a handle 322 attached thereto on an upper endthereof. The second side wall 330 comprises a handle 332 attachedthereto on an upper end thereof. The carrier bag 300 comprises a cover380 attached to the second side wall 330. In this embodiment, the cover380 is attached to the second side wall 330 at an upper end thereof. Thecover 380 is provided with first attachment portions 382 a, 382 b. Inthe embodiment shown, the first attachment portions 382 a, 382 b arelocated at a distal end of the cover 380. The first attachment portions382 a, 382 b are complementary to second attachment portion (not shown).The second attachment portions are located on the first side wall 320.The second attachment portions are preferably located at an upper end ofthe first side wall 320.

Shown in FIG. 7 is an embodiment where the first attachment portions 382a, 382 b are not connected to the second attachment portions. As shown,the base 310 is accessible and a tray and/or beverage holder(s) may beplaced therein.

Shown in FIG. 8 is an embodiment where the first attachment portions 382a, 382 b are connected to the second attachment portions. As shown, thecover 380 traverses the opening of carrier bag 380. This providesprotection from extraneous matter coming into contact with the beveragesand/or food in the carrier bag 300. The cover 380 also provides asurface in which other products (such as food) can be supported thereon.

It will be appreciated that the present carrier bag provides a simplesolution to carry multiple beverages and/or multiple food products.Furthermore, the food carrier alleviates the problem of additionalmaterial falling into the beverages, and also provides a further supportin which food products can be transported. An additional advantage ofthe present carrier bag is that, even if the beverage is spilled, thebag provides protection to the consumers clothes.

The present invention is also ergonomical, durable and easy to clean.Furthermore, the carrier bag is sufficiently formed to providestructural integrity to the overall structure. That is, the beverageholder may be reinforced by the tray and the carrier bag.

In one embodiment, the carrier bag is formed of a waterproof material.In one embodiment, the carrier bag is formed of canvas. In oneembodiment, the bag is formed of a cotton canvas. In an embodiment, thebag comprises a laminate. In embodiments, the laminate is on theinternal surface of the bag. In some embodiments, the laminate is a PVClaminate.

Shown in FIG. 9 is a tray that may be utilized in the present invention.As shown, tray 900 comprises a tray base 910, a first tray side wall920, a second tray side wall 930, a front tray wall 940 and a rear traywall 950. The first tray side wall 920, second tray side wall 930, fronttray wall 940 and rear tray wall 950 extend away from the tray base 910.The first tray side wall 920, second tray side wall 930, front tray wall940 and rear tray wall 950 define a volume in which one or more beverageholders may be removably retained therein. Furthermore, the first trayside wall 120, second tray side wall 930, front tray wall 940 and reartray wall 950 are dimensioned such that they can be received by a base(e.g., base 110 of carrier bag 100). In one embodiment, the tray isformed of silicone. The tray 900 is dimensioned to be received by thecarrier bag 100.

In one embodiment, the tray comprises an outer layer of silicone. Inthis embodiment, the outer layer of silicone is matte silicone. Inembodiments, the tray comprises a tray body with an outer layer ofsilicone. In an embodiment, the tray body is formed of nylon.

The laminate of the bag cooperates with the outer surface of the tray.In this regard, the outer surface of the tray and the inner surface ofthe bag are held together by friction. The friction of the outer surfaceof the tray and the inner surface of the bag along with the size anddimension of the inner surface of the bag and the outer surface of thetray keeps the tray secure when received in the bag.

It will be appreciated that a tray can be utilized to retain a number ofbeverage holders. For instance, the beverage holder may be configured toretain two beverages. Shown in FIG. 10 is a beverage holder configuredto retain two beverages. The beverage holder 1000 comprises holder base1010 (not shown) connected to a holder top 1060 by first holder sidewall 1020, second holder side wall 1030 (not shown), front holder wall1040 and rear holder wall 1050 (not shown). The holder top 1060comprises two apertures 1065 a, 1065 b which each accommodate abeverage. The holder top 1060 comprises a plurality of tabs 1062 a, 1062b extending from the aperture edge into the aperture 1065 a, 1065 b.These tabs 1062 a, 1062 b are connected to the holder top by lines ofweakness (such as perforated lines). The lines of weakness allow for thetabs 1062 a, 1062 b to resiliently engage a beverage inserted into theaperture 1065 a, 1065 b.

As previously mentioned, the beverage holder may be configured to retainany number of beverages.

Shown in FIG. 11 is a beverage holder configured to retain fourbeverages. The beverage holder 1100 comprises holder base 1110 (notshown) connected to a holder top 1160 by first holder side wall 1120,second holder side wall 1130 (not shown), front holder wall 1140 andrear tray wall 1150 (not shown). The holder top 1160 comprises fourapertures 1165 a, 1165 b, 1165 c, 1165 d which each accommodate abeverage. The holder top 1160 comprises a plurality of tabs 1162 a, 1162b, 1162 c, 1162 d extending from the aperture edge into the aperture1165 a, 1165 b, 1165 c, 1165 d. These tabs 1162 a, 1162 b, 1162 c, 1162d are connected to the holder top by lines of weakness (such asperforated lines). The lines of weakness allow for the tabs 1162 a, 1162b, 1162 c, 1162 d to resiliently engage a beverage inserted into theaperture 1165 a, 1165 b, 1165 c, 1165 d.

Shown in FIG. 12 is a beverage holder configured to retain sixbeverages. The beverage holder 1200 comprises holder base 1210 (notshown) connected to a holder top 1260 by first holder side wall 1220,second holder side wall 1230 (not shown), front holder wall 1240 andrear tray wall 1250 (not shown). The holder top 1260 comprises sixapertures 1265 a, 1265 b, 1265 c, 1265 d, 1265 e, 1265 f which eachaccommodate a beverage. The holder top 1260 comprises a plurality oftabs 1262 a, 1262 b, 1262 c, 1262 d, 1265 e, 1265 f extending from theaperture edge into the aperture 1265 a, 1265 b, 1265 c, 1265 d, 1265 e,1265 f. These tabs 1262 a, 1262 b, 1262 c, 1262 d, 1262 e, 1262 f areconnected to the holder top by lines of weakness (such as perforatedlines). The lines of weakness allow for the tabs 1262 a, 1262 b, 1262 c,1262 d, 1262 e, 1262 f to resiliently engage a beverage inserted intothe aperture 1265 a, 1265 b, 1265 c, 1265 d, 1265 e, 1265 f.

In one embodiment, the one or more beverage holder(s) comprises an outerlayer of silicone. In this embodiment, the outer layer of silicone ismatte silicone. In some embodiments, the one or more beverage holder(s)comprise a body with an outer layer of silicone. In one embodiment, thebody is formed of nylon.

The outer surface of the beverage holder cooperates with the innersurface of the tray. In this regard, the outer surface of the beverageholder and the inner surface of the tray are held together by friction.Furthermore, the beverage holder(s) may also be held together by thespacer. The friction of the outer surface of the beverage holder and theinner surface of the tray along with the size and dimension of the outersurface of the beverage holder and the inner surface of the tray keepsthe beverage holder secure when received in the tray.

Shown in FIGS. 13-15 are a number of configurations with one, two orthree of the beverage holders shown in FIG. 10 with the tray of FIG. 9 .For instance, FIG. 13 shows a tray which securely retains a single 2 cupbeverage holder that is centrally located within the tray. The remainingexposed tray (to either side of the beverage holder) may be utilized toretain food products.

FIG. 14 shows a tray which securely retains a pair of 2 cup beverageholders. The beverage holders are retained at the ends of the tray. Theremaining tray section (in between the two beverage cup holders) may beutilized to retain food products.

FIG. 15 shows a tray which securely retains three 2-cup beverageholders. As shown, the three beverage holders substantially take up theentire tray section. As shown, the tray does not have a designated areato hold food. However, as with any of the configurations shown in FIG.13-15 , the cover may be utilized to hold food products.

In some embodiments, the beverage and/or food carrier bag furthercomprises a spacer. The spacer is adapted to space the beverage holders.In this regard, the spacer is sized and dimension so that it ensures thespacing between beverage holders. In one embodiment, the spacercomprises an outer layer of silicone. In this embodiment, the outerlayer of silicone is matte silicone. In some embodiments, the spacercomprises a spacer body with an outer layer of silicone. In oneembodiment, the spacer body is formed of nylon.

In one embodiment, the spacer is discrete from the beverage holder(s)and the tray. In another embodiment, the spacer is formed with the tray.In this regard, the tray comprises a spacer that is formed therewith. Inone embodiment, the spacer comprises a protrusion that extends away fromthe base of the tray. The spacer engages the outer surface of thebeverage holder(s) to provide a further deterrent to the beverageholder(s) moving relative to the tray. In one embodiment, the spacer issized, dimensioned and located to securely retain one or more of thebeverage holder(s).

Shown in FIG. 16 is an embodiment of a tray 1600. Tray 1600 comprises atray base 1610, a first tray side wall 1620, a second tray side wall1630, a front tray wall 1640 and a rear tray wall 1650. The first trayside wall 1620, second tray side wall 1630, front tray wall 1640 andrear tray wall 1650 extend away from the tray base 1610. The first trayside wall 1620, second tray side wall 1630, front tray wall 1640 andrear tray wall 1650 define a volume in which one or more beverageholders may be removably retained therein. Furthermore, the first trayside wall 1620, second tray side wall 1630, front tray wall 1640 andrear tray wall 1650 are dimensioned such that they can be received by abase (e.g., base 110 of carrier bag 100). In one embodiment, the tray isformed of silicone. The tray 1600 is dimensioned to be received by thecarrier bag 100.

The tray 1600 further comprises spacers 1670 formed in the corners ofthe tray. As shown, the spacers 1670 comprise a pair of walls that issubstantially parallel to the respective side wall and front/rear wall.The spacer tray further comprises spacer 1675 located adjacent the sidewalls 1620, 1630. In one embodiment, the spacers are formed adjacent thewalls of the tray. In one embodiment, the spacers abut the walls of thetray. In this embodiment, the tray may not comprise walls and onlycomprises spacers which retain the beverage holder(s).

The spacer alleviates the problem of the beverage holders becoming loosein the tray and coming together. This is a disadvantage because foodthat is placed in between the beverage holders may be affected if thebeverage holders come loose. The spacer alleviates this issue byproviding a hinderance to the beverage holders coming together.

It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the term‘securely retain’ and the like refers to the carrier bag retaining thetray and/or one or more beverage holder in a secure fashion, or the trayretaining one or more beverage holders in a secure fashion. In thisregard, the inner surface of the carrier bag is dimensioned to securelyreceive the tray and/or one or more beverage holder. Furthermore, theouter surface of the tray (that is, the first tray side wall, secondtray side wall, front tray side wall and rear tray side wall) aredimensioned such that they conform and are securely received by theinner surface of the carrier bag (the inner surfaces of the first sidewall, second side wall, front wall, rear wall and base). Furthermore,the outer surface of the one or more beverage holders (either alone ortogether) are dimensioned such that they conform and are securelyreceived by the inner surface of the tray.

In one embodiment, the dimension of the outer surface of the tray aredetermined by the dimensions of the inner surface of the carrier bag. Inthis regard, the tray has dimensions slightly smaller than the dimensionof the inner surface of the carrier bag so that the carrier bag securelyretains the tray. This allows for the tray to be kept in the correctorientation and cannot tip over.

In an embodiment, the dimensions of the outer surface of the one or morebeverage holders are determined by the dimensions of the inner surfaceof the tray. In this regard, the dimensions of the outer surface of theone or more beverage holders (either alone or together) have dimensionsslightly smaller than the dimension of the inner surface of the tray sothat the tray securely retains the one or more beverage holders. It willbe appreciated by the person skilled in the art that two beverageholders can be held securely by the tray. In this regard, the twobeverage holders together are held by the tray (that is, two beverageholders are dimensioned such that they are both securely retained by thetray concurrently).

In one embodiment, the dimension of the outer surface of the one or morebeverage holders are determined by the dimensions of the inner surfaceof the carrier bag. In this embodiment, the carrier bag securely retainsthe one or more beverage holders. In this regard, the dimensions of theouter surface of the one or more beverage holders (either alone ortogether) have dimensions slightly smaller than the dimension of thecarrier bag so that the carrier bag securely retains the one or morebeverage holders. It will be appreciated by the person skilled in theart that two beverage holders can be held securely by the tray. In thisregard, the two beverage holders together are held by the carrier bag(that is, two beverage holders are dimensioned such that they are bothsecurely retained by the tray concurrently).

In one embodiment, the present beverage and/or food carrier bag isreusable. In this regard, the present carrier bag is formed of amaterial that can be used repeatedly. The present invention islightweight and cab be operated safely using one hand, and thisadvantageously allows the consumer to complete tasks whilst carryingmultiple beverages and/or food in the carrier bag. The carrier bag alsofacilitates easy pick up and set down, and does not place strain on thebody. Furthermore, the present beverage and/or food carrier bag may alsobe easily cleaned.

In one embodiment, the one or more beverage holders and/or tray is/arenon-collapsible. In certain embodiment, the one or more beverage holdersare non-collapsible. In some embodiments, the tray is non-collapsible.

The tray and/or beverage holder(s) may also be reusable. In this regard,the tray and/or beverage holder(s) may be formed of a material that beutilized repeatedly. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the trayand/or beverage holder can simply be washed if a spillage occurs. Thisis environmentally friendly as compared to disposable trays and beverageholder(s). Furthermore, this is more economical for the consumer whoneed not necessarily require the purchase of disposable trays andbeverage holder(s).

The present invention advantageously allows for increased capacitywhilst remaining compact. Furthermore, the present carrier bag allowssecure storage and carrying function, and also offers space efficiencywhen not in use because the components can be separated and stored in arelatively small volume.

It will be appreciated that the carrier bag, tray and/or one or morebeverage holder(s) may be provided separately and assembled by theconsumer. The present invention allows for multiple configurations tothe achieved. In this regard, a consumer may purchase the components(the carrier bag, the tray and the beverage holders) separately inaccordance with their needs and requirements.

In an aspect, the invention resides in a beverage and/or food carrierbag comprising a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and arear wall, each wall connected a base, wherein the base is adapted tosecurely receive a tray and/or one or more beverage holders.

The beverage and/or food carrier bag is as substantially describedhereinabove.

In a certain aspect, the invention resides in a tray adapted to besecurely received by a base of a beverage and/or food carrier bag. Thetray is also adapted to securely receive one or more beverage holders.

The tray is as substantially described hereinabove.

In some aspects, the invention resides in a beverage holder. Thebeverage holder is adapted to be securely received by a tray and/or abase of a beverage and/or food carrier bag.

The beverage holder is as substantially described hereinabove.

In a further aspect, the invention resides in a method of transportingbeverage(s) and/or food comprising:

-   -   inserting one or more beverage(s) into one or more beverage        holder(s);    -   securely retaining the one or more beverage holders in a        beverage and/or food carrier bag comprising a base, connected to        a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a rear        wall, wherein the base is adapted to receive the tray;    -   to thereby transport beverage(s) and/or food.

The beverage and/or food carrier bag, tray, beverage holder(s) andcomponents thereof may be substantially as described hereinabove.

In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of placing theone or more beverage holders into a tray, and placing the tray into thebeverage and/or food carrier bag. It will be appreciated that the baseand walls are adapted to securely retain the tray.

In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of attaching acover attached to an upper end of the first side wall to an upper end ofthe second side wall to form a support that accommodates food. In thisembodiment, the cover comprises a first attachment portion at a distalend thereof. The first attachment portion is reciprocal to a secondattachment portion. The second attachment portion is located at an upperend of the second side wall.

In an embodiment, the method further includes the step of inserting aspacer into the tray to space beverage holders.

The above description of various embodiments of the present invention isprovided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in therelated art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerousalternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent tothose skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while somealternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, otherembodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those ofordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this invention is intended toembrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the presentinvention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments thatfall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

1. A beverage and/or food carrier bag comprising: a front wall, a firstside wall, a second side wall and a rear wall, each wall connected to abase, wherein the second side wall comprises a second attachment portionadjacent an upper end thereof; and the base adapted to removably retainone or more beverage holder(s) or a tray adapted to retain one or morebeverage holder(s), wherein a flexible cover is attached to the firstside wall adjacent an upper end thereof, wherein the flexible covercomprises a first attachment portion at or adjacent a distal endthereof, wherein the first attachment portion is reciprocal to thesecond attachment portion, and wherein when the first attachment portionis attached to the second attachment portion the flexible cover forms asurface that supports one or more food products.
 2. The bag of claim 1,further comprising the tray adapted to removably retain the one or morebeverage holder(s), and wherein the base and walls are adapted toreceive the tray.
 3. The bag of claim 1, wherein the second attachmentportion is attached to the second side wall adjacent or at an upper endthereof
 4. The bag of claim 3, wherein the flexible cover comprises apocket.
 5. The bag of claim 1, further comprising one or more additionalpocket(s) formed in one or more of the front wall, the first side wall,the second side wall, and/or the rear wall.
 6. The bag of claim 1,wherein the one or more beverage holder(s) is configured to receive 1,2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 beverages.
 7. The bag of claim 1, wherein the one ormore beverage holder(s) is formed of nylon and/or silicone.
 8. The bagof claim 1, wherein the tray is formed of silicone.
 9. The bag of claim1, wherein the first side wall and second side wall each comprise ahandle at the upper end thereof.
 10. The bag of claim 1, wherein whenthe first attachment portion is attached to the second attachmentportion.
 11. The bag of any claim 1, wherein the bag is formed of awaterproof material.
 12. A method of transporting beverage(s) and/orfood comprising: inserting one or more beverage(s) into one or morebeverage holder(s); securely retaining the one or more beverageholder(s) in a beverage and/or food carrier bag comprising a base,connected to a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and arear wall wherein the second side wall comprises a second attachmentportion adjacent an upper end thereof, wherein a flexible cover isattached to the first side wall adjacent an upper end thereof, whereinthe flexible cover comprises a first attachment portion at or adjacent adistal end thereof, wherein the first attachment portion is reciprocalto the second attachment portion, and wherein when the first attachmentportion is attached to the second attachment portion the flexible coverforms a surface that supports one or more food products; to therebytransport beverage(s) and/or food.
 13. The method of claim 12, furtherincluding the step of inserting the one or more beverage holder(s) intoa tray, and inserting the tray into the beverage and/or food carrierbag. 14-22. (canceled)